Gateway ML6230 only $349 at Best Buy

Although not exactly a competition of the Asus Eee PC, the Gateway ML6230 notebook is now being sold for only USD349 at Best Buy.

Specifications:
* Intel® Celeron® M processor 520 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.6GHz processor speed
* 512MB PC2-5300 DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM
* 15.4" WXGA TFT-LCD widescreen display with Ultrabright technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
* 80GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
* Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with up to 64MB of shared video memory; high-definition audio (2-speaker support); S-video connection
* 4-in-1 digital media manager supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO
* IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
* Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g); 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; high-speed V.92 data/fax modem
* Weighs 6.2 lbs. and measures just 1.4" thin for portable power; 6-cell battery and AC adapter
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic Edition operating system preinstalled; software package included with Microsoft Works 8.5, CyberLink Power2Go, Adobe Reader and more

While obviously a different animal with a 15.4" LCD and weighing 6.2 lbs, its USD349 price nevertheless overlaps that of the higher-end models of the Asus Eee PC. I have to admit USD349 for a full-fledged notebook is awfully tempting specially now that Asus has brainwashed me into thinking that a "bring anywhere, throw around anywhere" subnote can be worth USD349. :)